CHESTER race goers can breath a sigh of relief as Welsh Water confirmed work to repair a collapsed sewer will be complete in time for Sunday's family fun day.

Lower Watergate Street has been closed to traffic for a fortnight leading to long diversions and congestion while Welsh Water made their repairs. Resurfacing work is taking place today.

However, Chester's traffic misery looks set to continue as the National Grid start a planned programme of work near the racecourse next week.

On Wednesday, major roadworks will begin on Nuns Road meaning it will be open to one way traffic only.

The restrictions will initially be in force until the end of November while May Gunney contractors lay the gas main along the narrow carriageway.

Work will cease during the four remaining race fixtures of the summer.

Racecourse communications manager Melissa Hatton said: 'We had a letter from the National Grid explaining that they would be carrying out these works and that they would be suspended during race days.

'Our main concern would be the safety of race goers. Our safety officer John Knott is working with them to have the contractors on site on a race day if required.'

Work on Nuns Road will resume in January 2007 and will take until the end of March to compete.

The timing of other works could be changed but temporary traffic lights are due to be installed from late September on New Crane Street and there will be a similar set up on Grosvenor Road from January.

The work is part of a major programme of gas mains replacement in that part of Chester over the next two years. In all, nearly 9km of new medium pressure gas mains will be laid at a cost of £2.6 million.

National Grid project manager Alex Webb said: 'There will be disruption in the short term.

'But in the long term people will be able to continue taking their gas supply for granted.'